BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2250
88R10955 LRM-D	By: Zaffirini
	Business & Commerce
	4/14/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Some retail sellers of solar panels are asking buyers to execute a certificate of completion before the installation is complete or working properly. The buyers often do not have the expertise to know the difference, but once they sign, the buyers may be left responsible for fixing any problems that arise. This can lead to incomplete or faulty installations and leaves consumers without recourse. What's more, faulty solar panel installations can lead to electrical and thermal issues, increasing the risk of fires. Currently, however, companies that sell solar panels are not required to ensure the installed panels pass the relevant code enforcement inspection. 

Generally, S.B. 2250 would prohibit entities that sell solar panels from requiring buyers to sign a certificate of completion unless the solar panels are working properly and have passed the building code inspection relevant to the buyer's property. This would ensure that buyers receive a high-quality product that meets safety and building code standards. Accordingly, it would enhance consumer protection for the increasing number of Texans who purchase residential solar panels.

As proposed, S.B. 2250 amends current law relating to the execution of a certificate of completion for the purchase of solar panels under a retail installment contract.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 345.081, Finance Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(g)  Prohibits a retail seller of solar panels from requiring a retail buyer to execute a certificate unless the solar panels are fully operational and pass the building code inspection applicable to the retail buyer's property.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.